Pvc composition, polymer composite article formed therewith, and method of preparing same

ABSTRACT

A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composition and a method for preparing a polymer composite article. The composition comprises (A) a mineral filler in an amount of from 7.5 to 75 wt. %. The composition also comprises (B) a polyvinyl chloride polymer in an amount of from 20 to 92 wt. %. Further, the composition comprises (C) a polydiorganosiloxane in an amount of from greater than 0 to 5 wt. %; the (C) polydiorganosiloxane being a compound of unit formula: (R 2 R′SiO 1/2 ) a (R 3 SiO 1/2 ) b (R 2 SiO 2/2 ) c (RR′SiO 2/2 ) d , where each R is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms that is free of aliphatic unsaturation, each R′ is an independently selected alkenyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, subscript a is 0 to 2, subscript b is 0 to 2, a quantity (a+b)=2, subscript c≥0, subscript d≥0, a quantity (a+d)≥1, and a quantity (a+b+c+d) is sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane a viscosity of 2,000 mPa·s to 60,000 mPa·s at 25° C. measured at 0.1 to 50 RPM on a Brookfield DV-III cone &amp; plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle. The ranges for components (A)-(C) are based on the total weight of components (A), (B) and (C) in the composition.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)composition and, more specifically, to a PVC composition for preparing apolymer composite article, to methods of preparing the PVC compositionand the polymer composite article therewith, and to the polymercomposite article formed thereby.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Polymer composite articles are known in the art and are utilized invarious end use applications. Polymer composite articles areincreasingly popular with consumers due to cost and desirable propertiesassociated with polymer composite articles, including physical andmechanical properties.

In the PVC industry, it is common to include fillers in the compositearticles. Fillers are relatively inexpensive and are often used to lowerthe cost. Such composite articles are typically produced by thoroughlymixing fillers and PVC to give a mixture. High levels of fillers,however, can adversely affect the properties of the composite articles.For example, high amounts of filler may affect critical properties suchas density, percent (%) elongation, impact strength, surface finish,melt flow, melt viscosity, melt strength, and processability.

Due to the nature of PVC, it cannot be processed on its own. Otheradditives, such as stabilizers, processing aids, and lubricants arerequired to obtain processability and performance of the polymer.Typically, these additives are mixed in a high speed mixer/blender tomake dry blends. High filler levels make it difficult to form uniformdry blends. The system often becomes too dusty and difficult to handle.The filler also tends to stick to the walls and blades of the mixer,resulting in less than the desired amount of filler in the blend.Sticking of the filler also increases the cleaning time of the equipmentand may also increase contamination of the next batch.

Conventional, low cost, organic process aids generally suffer from thedrawback of requiring high loading to achieve faster production speeds,thereby impacting cost and/or performance properties. In addition, manyconventional process aids may negatively affect physical properties andreduce mechanical properties (impact resistance, flexural strength,flexural modulus) of the composite articles, especially at elevated usetemperatures. Conventional process aids may also migrate from thepolymer composite articles, thus negatively impacting one or moreproperties of the polymer composite articles over time, such as physicalproperties, appearance, feel, ability to overmold, ability toco-extrude, ability to adhere to the surface, ability to print thesurface and ability to paint the surface of the polymer compositearticles. In addition some of the organic process aids volatilize athigher application temperatures, which can lead to formation or bubblesand cracks in the polymer composite articles, which can compromise longterm performance of these articles.

High filler levels also tend to increase the density of the polymersystem. Increased density increases the weight of the final compositearticles, which may in turn increase associated shipping costs. Whenfoamed, high filler levels also inhibit expansion of the polymer.

High filler levels typically make the polymer system shear sensitive.These systems demonstrate higher shear thinning behavior.

While the use of inorganic fillers may increase char content, whichimproves smoke and flame properties, mechanical properties such aspercent (%) elongation and impact strength are often diminished as aresult.

Current PVC compositions require the sacrifice of at least one propertyfor the benefit of another. For example, a PVC composition may beformulated to improve impact strength but would lower percent (%)elongation or it may improve surface finish but would lower throughputor it may provide the desired density but would affect other physicalproperties.

It would be desirable to provide a polymer system having a high fillercontent that addresses one or more of the problems above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a polyvinyl chloride composition forpreparing a polymer composite article. The composition comprises (A) afiller in an amount of from 10 to 90 wt. %. The composition alsocomprises (B) a polyvinyl chloride polymer in an amount of from 10 to 90wt. %. Further, the composition comprises (C) a polydiorganosiloxane inan amount of from greater than 0 to 5 wt. %; the (C)polydiorganosiloxane being a compound of unit formula:(R₂R′SiO_(1/2))_(a)(R₃SiO_(1/2))_(b)(R₂SiO_(2/2))_(c)(RR′SiO_(2/2))_(d),where each R is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon groupof 1 to 18 carbon atoms that is free of aliphatic unsaturation, each R′is an independently selected alkenyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms,subscript a is 0 to 2, subscript b is 0 to 2, a quantity (a+b)=2,subscript c≥0, subscript d≥0, a quantity (a+d)≥1, and a quantity(a+b+c+d) is sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane a viscosity of2,000 mPa·s to 60,000 mPa·s at 25° C. measured at 0.1 to 50 RPM on aBrookfield DV-III cone & plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle. Theranges for components (A)-(C) are based on the total weight ofcomponents (A), (B) and (C) in the composition.

A method of preparing the composition is also provided. The method ofpreparing the composition comprises combining the (A) mineral filler,the (B) polymer, and the (C) polydiorganosiloxane, thereby preparing thecomposition.

Further, a method for preparing a polymer composite article is providedby the present invention. The method comprises preparing the polymercomposite article from the composition. In addition, a polymer compositearticle formed in accordance with the method is also provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a composition for preparing a polymercomposite article. The polymer composite article has excellent physicalproperties and is suitable for myriad end use applications, as describedbelow. A method of preparing a polymer composite article and the polymercomposite article formed thereby are also provided and described below.

The composition for preparing a polymer composite article comprises: (A)a filler in an amount of from 10 to 90 wt. %; (B) a polymer in an amountof from 10 to 90 wt. %; and (C) an polydiorganosiloxane in an amount offrom greater than 0 to 10 wt. %; each based on the total weight ofcomponents (A), (B) and (C) in the composition.

The composition comprises: (A) a filler in an amount of from 10 to 90wt. %; (B) a polyvinyl chloride polymer in an amount of from 10 to 90wt. %; and (C) a polydiorganosiloxane in an amount of from greater than0 to 5 wt. %; wherein the (C) polydiorganosiloxane is a compound of unitformula:(R₂R′SiO_(1/2))_(a)(R₃SiO_(1/2))_(b)(R₂SiO_(2/2))_(c)(RR′SiO_(2/2))_(d),where each R is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon groupof 1 to 18 carbon atoms that is free of aliphatic unsaturation, each R′is an independently selected alkenyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms,subscript a is 0 to 2, subscript b is 0 to 2, a quantity (a+b)=2,subscript c≥0, subscript d≥0, a quantity (a+d)≥1, and a quantity(a+b+c+d) is sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane a viscosity of2,000 mPa·s to 60,000 mPa·s at 25° C. measured at 0.1 to 50 RPM on aBrookfield DV-III cone & plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle. Theranges for components (A)-(C) are based on the total weight ofcomponents (A), (B) and (C) in the composition.

Component (A) Mineral Filler

The composition comprises (A) a mineral filler. The (A) mineral fillermay form a discontinuous phase in the composition for preparing thepolymer composite article and the composite article so prepared.

The (A) mineral filler may be untreated, pretreated, or added inconjunction with an optional filler treating agent, which when so addedmay treat the (A) mineral filler in situ or prior to incorporation ofthe (A) mineral filler in the composition. When treated, the (A) mineralfiller may be treated by any conventional filler treating agent known inthe art. The (A) mineral filler may be a single filler or a combinationof two or more fillers that differ in at least one property such as typeof filler, method of preparation, treatment or surface chemistry, fillercomposition, filler shape, filler surface area, average particle size,and/or particle size distribution.

Preferably, the (A) mineral filler comprises at least 90 wt. % of thetotal weight of filler in the PVC composition, i.e., the PVC compositionmay comprise up to 10 wt. % of a non-mineral filler. More preferably,the (A) mineral filler comprises at least 95 wt. % of the total weightof filler in the PVC composition. Even more preferably, the filler inthe PVC composition consists essentially of or consists of at least onemineral filler. As used herein, “consists essentially of” means that anyfiller other than a mineral filler present in the PVC composition doesnot negatively affect any of the physical properties of the PVCcomposition and/or the processability of the PVC composition.Preferably, the PVC composition comprises less than 5 wt. % of alignocellulosic filler or an organic filler. More preferably, the PVCcomposition does not comprise a lignocellulosic filler or an organicfiller.

The shape and dimensions of the (A) mineral filler is also notspecifically restricted. For example, the (A) mineral filler may bespherical, rectangular, ovoid, irregular, and may be in the form of, forexample, a powder, a fiber, a particle, and combinations thereof.Dimensions and shape are typically selected based on the type of the (A)mineral filler utilized, the selection of other components includedwithin the composition, and the end use application of the polymercomposite article formed therewith.

Non-limiting examples of mineral fillers that may function as extendingor reinforcing fillers include quartz and/or crushed quartz, aluminumoxide, magnesium oxide, silica (e.g. fumed, ground, precipitated),hydrated magnesium silicate, magnesium carbonate, dolomite, siliconeresin, wollastonite, soapstone, kaolinite, kaolin, mica muscovite,phlogopite, halloysite (hydrated alumina silicate), aluminum silicate,sodium aluminosilicate, glass (fiber, beads or particles, includingrecycled glass, e.g. from wind turbines or other sources), clay,magnetite, hematite, calcium carbonate such as precipitated, fumed,and/or ground calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate,calcium metasilicate, zinc oxide, talc, diatomaceous earth, iron oxide,clays, mica, chalk, titanium dioxide (titania), zirconia, graphite,anthracite, lignite, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesiumoxysulfate fiber, aluminum trihydrate, aluminum oxyhydrate, pigments(e.g. titanium dioxide, non-hydrated, partially hydrated, or hydratedfluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides, chromates, carbonates,hydroxides, phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, nitrates, oxides, andsulfates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and barium); antimonypentoxide, antimony trioxide, beryllium oxide, chromium oxide,lithopone, a borate salt such as zinc borate, barium metaborate oraluminum borate, mixed metal oxides such as vermiculite, bentonite,pumice, perlite, fly ash, clay, and silica gel; pyrophyllite, sepiolite,zinc stannate, zinc sulphide, and combinations thereof. Alternativelythe extending or reinforcing filler may be selected from the groupconsisting of calcium carbonate, talc and a combination thereof.

Extending fillers are known in the art and commercially available; suchas a ground silica sold under the name MIN-U-SIL by U.S. Silica ofBerkeley Springs, W. Va. Suitable precipitated calcium carbonatesinclude Winnofil™ SPM from Solvay and Ultra-pflex™ and Ultra-pflex™ 100from SMI.

The (A) mineral filler may be treated or untreated. When treated, the(A) mineral filler may be treated by any conventional filler treatingagent known in the art.

The (A) mineral filler is present in the composition in an amount offrom 7.5 to 75, alternatively from 10 to 65, alternatively from 20 to60, and alternatively from 49.5 to 60, weight percent based on the totalweight of (A), (B), and (C) in the composition. All end points andsubranges between 7.5 to 75 weight percent are included and disclosedherein. For example, the (A) mineral filler may be present in an amountof at least 7.5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, atleast 30, at least 35, at least 40, at least 45, or at least 50, weightpercent based on the total weight of (A), (B), and (C) in thecomposition. The (A) mineral filler may be present in an amount of 75wt. % or less, 70 wt. % or less, 65 wt. % or less, or 60 wt. % or less,relative to the total weight of (A), (B), and (C) in the composition.Alternatively, for certain applications, it is desirable to maximize therelative amount of the (A) mineral filler in the composition, whichreduces overall cost thereof, so long as desirable properties of thepolymer composite article formed therewith are maintained or obtained.One of skill in the art understands that the amount of the (A) mineralfiller may be modified for this purpose, including a balance of cost andresulting properties, as well as the presence or absence of otheroptional components, as described below.

(B) PVC Polymer

The composition further comprises (B) a PVC polymer. The PVC polymer mayform all or a part of a continuous phase in the composition forpreparing the polymer composite article and the composite articleprepared therefrom. The selection of the (B) PVC polymer is typically afunction of the desired end use application of the polymer compositearticle formed with the composition, as various polymers have differentmelting point temperatures (and/or glass transition temperatures) andphysical/mechanical properties, as well as suitable or acceptablecontinuous use application temperatures. In certain embodiments, the (B)PVC polymer has a softening point temperature that is less than adegradation temperature of other components in the composition. In theseembodiments, the (B) PVC polymer has softening point temperature of lessthan 250° C., alternatively less than 225° C., alternatively less than200° C. The softening point temperature may also be referred to as theprocessing temperature. In at least one embodiment, the (B) PVC polymerhas a softening point temperature ranging from 150 to 250° C., such asfrom 160 to 220° C. or from 170 to 210° C. Preferably, the (B) PVCpolymer is a powder.

Elastomers and/or rubbers can be added to or compounded with the (B) PVCpolymer to modify or improve properties, such as impact strength.Preferably, the (B) PVC polymer comprises at least one acrylicprocessing additive. Additives may include those known in the art, suchas the additives disclosed by Stevenson et al., Journal of VinylTechnology, December 1993, Vol. 15, No. 4, pages 244-251, which isincorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, the polymer in the PVC composition consistsessentially of a PVC polymer. By consist essentially of, it is meantthat the (B) PVC polymer can include one or more additional polymersother than a polyvinyl so long as such additional polymers can beprocessed along with the (B) PVC polymer to form the polymer compositearticle. When the (B) PVC polymer does not consist of a PVC polymer, the(B) PVC polymer typically includes a PVC polymer in an amount of atleast 50, alternatively at least 60, alternatively at least 65,alternatively at least 70, alternatively at least 75, alternatively atleast 80, alternatively at least 85, alternatively at least 90,alternatively at least 95, alternatively at least 96, alternatively atleast 97, alternatively at least 98, alternatively at least 99, wt. %based on the total weight of the (B) PVC polymer utilized in thecomposition.

The (B) PVC polymer may further comprise an elastomer. Non-limitingexamples of elastomers include styrene-butadiene rubber, polyetherurethane rubber, polyester urethane rubber, butyl rubber, nitrilerubber, chloroprene rubber (neoprene), polyacrylate rubber, ethyleneacrylate rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene-dienerubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), ethylene propylenerubber (EPR), fluorosilicone rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, perfluorinatedelastomer, styrene butadiene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene,polyisoprene rubber, polysulfide rubber, ethylene acrylate rubber,epichlorohydrine rubber, perfluoroelastomer (e.g. Kalrez™), polysulfiderubber, chlorinated polyethylene (e.g. chlorinated polyethylenecomprising up to 40 weight percent chlorine), and combinations thereof.

When the (B) PVC polymer comprises a polymer other than and in additionto a PVC, the (B) PVC polymer may further comprise at least one polymerthat is fully or partially thermodynamically miscible with PVC. Suchpolymer include, but are not limited to, poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),polycaprolactone (CPL), and styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN). Otherthermodynamically miscible polymers are known in the art and aredisclosed, for example, Robeson, L. M. (1990), Miscible polymer blendscontaining poly(vinyl chloride). J. Vinyl Addit. Technol., 12: 89-94,which is incorporated herein by reference.

Regardless of the (B) PVC polymer utilized, the (B) PVC polymer cancomprise virgin polymer and/or recycled polymer. The recycled polymer,if utilized, may be sourced from industrial production streams, as wellas from post-industrial and/or post-consumer sources. The selection ofthe (B) PVC polymer, as well as any ratio of virgin polymer to recycledpolymer, if utilized in concert, is typically a function of cost anddesired properties of the polymer composite article formed therewith.

The amount of the (A) mineral filler is greater than the amount of the(B) PVC polymer in the PVC composition, i.e., the ratio of the (A)mineral filler to the (B) PVC polymer is greater than 1.

The (B) PVC polymer may be present in the composition in an amount offrom 20 to 92, alternatively from 35 to 90, and alternatively from 40 to49.5, weight percent based on the total weight of (A), (B), and (C) inthe composition. For example, the (B) PVC polymer may be present in thecomposition in an amount of at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, atleast 35, or at least 40, weight percent based on the total weight of(A), (B), and (C) in the composition. The (B) PVC polymer may be presentin the composition in an amount of 92 wt. % or less, 90 wt. % or less,85 wt. % or less, 80 wt. % or less, 75 wt. % or less, 70 wt. % or less,65 wt. % or less, 60 wt. % or less, or 55 wt. % or less, based on thetotal weight of (A), (B), and (C) in the composition. In specificembodiments, it is desirable to minimize the relative amount of the (B)PVC polymer in the composition, which may reduce overall cost thereofdepending on selection, so long as desirable properties of the polymercomposite article formed therewith are maintained or obtained. One ofskill in the art understands that the amount of the (B) PVC polymer maybe modified for this purpose, including a balance of cost and resultingproperties, as well as the presence or absence of other optionalcomponents, as described below.

(C) Polydiorganosiloxane

The composition further comprises (C) a polydiorganosiloxane having atleast one silicon-bonded alkenyl group per molecule. The (C)polydiorganosiloxane comprises unit formula:(R₂R′SiO_(1/2))_(a)(R₃SiO_(1/2))_(b)(R₂SiO_(2/2))_(c)(RR′SiO_(2/2))_(d),where each R is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon groupof 1 to 18 carbon atoms that is free of aliphatic unsaturation, each R′is an independently selected alkenyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms,subscript a is 0 to 2, subscript b is 0 to 2, a quantity (a+b)=2,subscript c≥0, subscript d≥0, a quantity (a+d)≥1, and a quantity(a+b+c+d) is sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane a viscosity of2,000 mPa·s to 60,000 mPa·s at 25° C. measured at 0.1 to 50 RPM on aBrookfield DV-III cone & plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle. Oneskilled in the art would recognize that rotation rate decreases asviscosity increases and would be able to select the appropriate rotationrate when using this test method to measure viscosity. Alternatively,viscosity may be 2,000 mPa·s to 10,000 mPa·s, and alternatively 2,000mPa·s to 5,000 mPa·s, measured according to the test method describedabove at 5 RPM. Alternatively, subscript d may be 0 to 4, alternatively1 to 4, alternatively 1 to 3, and alternatively 2. Alternatively, aquantity (a+d) may be sufficient to provide an amount of alkenyl groups,R′, of 0.05% to 7%, alternatively 0.09% to 6.5%, based on weight of thepolydiorganosiloxane. Vinyl content may be measured by 29Si NMR and 13CNMR spectroscopy.

Alternatively, in the unit formula for the polydiorganosiloxane above,each R may be an alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms, alternatively 1 to12 carbon atoms, alternatively 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and alternatively 1to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, propyl(including n-propyl and iso-propyl), and butyl (including n-butyl,tert-butyl, sec-butyl, and iso-butyl). Alternatively, each R may bemethyl.

Alternatively, in the unit formula for the polydiorganosiloxane above,each R′ may be an alkenyl group of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alternatively 2to 6 carbon atoms, and alternatively 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitablealkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, butenyl, and hexenyl Alternatively,each R′ may be vinyl or hexenyl. Alternatively, each R′ may be vinyl.

The polydiorganosiloxane may have a terminal alkenyl group, a pendantalkenyl group, or both terminal and pendant alkenyl groups.Alternatively, in the unit formula for the polydiorganosiloxane above,subscript a may be 0 and subscript d may be greater than or equal to 1,i.e., the polydiorganosiloxane may have pendant alkenyl groups but notterminal alkenyl groups. Alternatively, subscript a may be 2, subscriptb may be 0 and subscript d may be 0, i.e., the polydiorganosiloxane maybe a bis-alkenyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane.

The bis-alkenyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane may comprise a compoundof formula (I):

where each R and R′ are as described above, and subscript x has a valuesufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane the viscosity of 2,000 mPa·sto 60,000 mPa·s measured as described above. One skilled in the artwould recognize that rotation rate decreases as viscosity increases andwould be able to select the appropriate rotation rate when using thistest method to measure viscosity. Alternatively, viscosity may be 2,000mPa·s to 10,000 mPa·s, and alternatively 2,000 mPa·s to 5,000 mPa·s,measured according to the test method described above at 5 RPM.

Alternatively, each R may be an alkyl group of 1 to 18 carbon atoms,alternatively 1 to 12 carbon atoms, alternatively 1 to 6 carbon atoms,and alternatively 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable alkyl groups includemethyl, ethyl, propyl (including n-propyl and iso-propyl), and butyl(including n-butyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, and iso-butyl).Alternatively, each R may be methyl.

Alternatively, in the formula for the polydiorganosiloxane above, eachR′ may be an alkenyl group of 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alternatively 2 to 6carbon atoms, and alternatively 2 to 4 carbon atoms. Suitable alkenylgroups include vinyl, allyl, butenyl, and hexenyl Alternatively, each R′may be vinyl or hexenyl. Alternatively, each R′ may be vinyl.

The (C) organopolysiloxane may comprise a polydiorganosiloxane such as:

c-1) a,ω-dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane,

c-2) a,ω-dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane),

c-3) a,ω-dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane),

c-4) a,ω-phenyl,methyl,vinyl-siloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane,

c-5) a,ω-dimethylhexenylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane,

c-6) a,ω-dimethylhexenylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane),

c-7) a,ω-dimethylhexenylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane),

c-8) a,ω-phenyl,methyl,hexenyl-siloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane,

c-9) a,ω-dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-10) a,ω-dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-11) a,ω-dimethylvinylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-12) a,ω-phenyl,methyl,vinyl-siloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-13) a,ω-dimethylhexenylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-14) a,ω-dimethylhexenylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-15) a,ω-dimethylhexenylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-16) a,ω-phenyl,methyl,hexenyl-siloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-17) trimethylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-18) trimethylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-19) trimethylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/methylvinylsiloxane),

c-20) trimethylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-21) trimethylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/methylphenylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-22) trimethylsiloxy-terminatedpoly(dimethylsiloxane/diphenylsiloxane/methylhexenylsiloxane),

c-23) a combination of two or more of c-1) to c-22).

Alternatively, the polydiorganosiloxane may be selected form the groupconsisting of c-1), c-5), c-9), c-13), c-17), c-20), and a combinationof two or more thereof. Alternatively, the polydiorganosiloxane may beselected form the group consisting of c-1), c-5), c-9), c-13), and acombination of two or more thereof. Alternatively, thepolydiorganosiloxane may be a bis-vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane. Polydiorganosiloxanes described above arecommercially available. Bis-vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxanes are commercially available from Dow SiliconesCorporation of Midland, Mich., USA, and examples includebis-vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosityof 60,000 mPa·s, bis-vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxanewith a viscosity of 10,000 mPa·s, bis-vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 5,000 mPa·s, andbis-vinyldimethylsiloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosityof 2,000 mPa·s, where viscosity was measured 25° C. at 0.1 to 50 RPM ona Brookfield DV-Ill cone & plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle.Suitable polydiorganosiloxanes may be prepared by methods known in theart such as hydrolysis and condensation of appropriate organohalosilanemonomers and/or equilibration of linear and cyclic polyorganosiloxanesoptionally with endcapping.

The (C) organopolysiloxane may comprise two or more differentorganopolysiloxanes, which may be independently selected. Typically, the(C) organopolysiloxane serves as a process aid in the composition andthe polymer composite article. Without wishing to be bound by theory,the (C) organopolysiloxane may be an internal and/or external processaid. However, the (C) organopolysiloxane may serve other purposes, inaddition to or alternatively to serving as a process aid, e.g. to modifyphysical or mechanical properties of the composition and the polymercomposite article.

Generally speaking, various advantages can be realized by thecombination of the (A) mineral filler, the (B) PVC polymer, and the (C)organopolysiloxane. When the composition is mixed in an extruder, forexample, combination of the (A) mineral filler, the (B) PVC polymer, andthe (C) organopolysiloxane generally reduces a melt temperature of thecomposition in the extruder. The reduction in melt temperature refers tothe temperature of the composition in the extruder and Brabender asopposed to the melting point temperature of any one individual componentin the composition (and in the extruder). Importantly, this allows forprocessing of the composition at reduced temperatures, which providesmyriad benefits, including cost and aesthetics. For example, certainfillers, such as lignocellulosic fillers, can char or degrade at certainelevated processing temperatures of the composition, typically requiredto make the composition flowable. Use of combination of the (A) mineralfiller, the (B) PVC polymer, and the (C) organopolysiloxane allows forpreparing the polymer composite article at a reduced temperature withoutdegrading, charring or otherwise deleteriously impacting the (A) mineralfiller and other aspects of the polymer composite article. Moreover,when the composition is mixed in an extruder, a torque of the extruderis generally reduced by combination of (A) mineral filler, the (B) PVCpolymer, and the (C) organopolysiloxane. Reduced torque allows forgreater output, which is particularly important from the perspective ofproduction throughput.

In certain embodiments, (i) an extrusion processing temperature reducedas compared to an extrusion processing temperature of a mixture of the(A) mineral filler and the (B) PVC polymer without the (C)polydiorganosiloxane; and/or (ii) a torque of the extruder is reducedwhen mixing the composition as compared to a torque of the extruder whenextruding a mixture of the (A) mineral filler and the (B) PVC polymerwithout the (C) polydiorganosiloxane. Extrusion processing temperatureis the temperature at which the composition is generally processable inthe extruder, e.g. to melt the (B) PVC polymer and other components inthe composition. Extrusion processing temperature is distinguished fromthe melting point temperature of any one component in the composition.

The (C) polydiorganosiloxane may be present in an amount of from greaterthan 0 to 5, alternatively from 0.1 to 2.5, and alternatively from 0.5to 1, weight percent based on the total weight of (A), (B), and (C) inthe composition. For example, the (C) polydiorganosiloxane may bepresent in an amount of at least 0.1, at least 0.25, or at least 0.5,weight percent based on the total weight of (A), (B), and (C) in thecomposition. The (C) polydiorganosiloxane may be present in an amount of5 wt. % or less, 4 wt. % or less, 3 wt. % or less, or 2.5 wt. % or less,based on the total weight of (A), (B), and (C) in the composition.

The (C) polydiorganosiloxane may be utilized in a neat (unadulterated)form but alternatively may be provided in any other suitable form, itmay for example be provided in a diluted liquid form in combination witha carrier vehicle or alternatively may be provided in a solid form. Incertain embodiments, the (C) polydiorganosiloxane is a liquid at 25° C.

In certain embodiments, in addition to components (A) mineral filler,(B) polymer, and the (C) polydiorganosiloxane, the composition forpreparing the polymer composite article as described above furthercomprises one or more additives selected from a colorant (e.g., pigmentand/or dye), a blowing agent (e.g., chemical and/or physical), a UVand/or light stabilizer, a process aid, a preservative, a biocide (e.g.,fungicide, herbicide, pesticide, antimicrobial), a flame retardantand/or smoke suppressant, an impact modifier, a heat stabilizer, and alubricant. These components are known in the art and can be usedaccording to conventional practice. Each additive, if utilized, may bepresent in the composition in an amount of from greater than 0 to 30weight percent based on the total weight of the composition. Thecomposition may also include other optional additives, as known in theart. Such additives are described, for example, in Walker, Benjamin M.,and Charles P. Rader, eds. Handbook of thermoplastic elastomers. NewYork: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1979; Murphy, John, ed. Additives forplastics handbook. Elsevier, 2001; which are incorporated by referenceherein.

A method for preparing a polymer composite article is also provided. Themethod comprises preparing the polymer composite article from thecomposition. In certain embodiments, the method further comprisesforming the composition. The composition is formed by combining at leastcomponent the (A) mineral filler, the (B) PVC polymer, and the (C)polydiorganosiloxane, along with any optional components present in thecomposition.

The components of the composition may be combined in any order and viaany suitable manner. In certain embodiments, for example, the (B) PVCpolymer may be melted prior to, during, and/or after formation of thecomposition. For example, the (B) PVC polymer may be heated prior toand/or during combining the components such that the (A) mineral fillerand the (C) polydiorganosiloxane are combined with a melted form of the(B) PVC polymer. The (A) mineral filler and the (C) polydiorganosiloxanemay be combined with the melted form of the (B) PVC polymer in anyorder, e.g. individually, sequentially, together, or simultaneously.Alternatively, however, the (B) PVC polymer may be combined with the (A)mineral filler and the (C) polydiorganosiloxane prior to heating ormelting the (B) PVC polymer such that the (B) PVC polymer is in solidand unmelted or unsoftened form when preparing the composition.Alternatively, the (A) mineral filler and the (C) polydiorganosiloxanemay be combined and heated, then added to the (B) PVC polymer in solidor liquid form when preparing the composition.

Preferably, the (A) mineral filler and the (B) PVC polymer are combinedtogether to form a powder master batch. The (C) polydiorganosiloxane isthen combined with the powder master batch and allowed to be absorbed bythe powder, after which it can be further blended to ensure uniformdispersion of the (C) polydiorganosiloxane.

A melting point temperature (or glass transition temperature) of the (B)PVC polymer is typically a function of the (B) PVC polymer utilized. Forexample, certain species of polymers have different melting pointtemperatures than other species of polymers. In certain embodiments, the(B) PVC polymer is heated before, during, and/or after formation of thecomposition to a temperature that is greater than the melting pointtemperature of the (B) polymer, e.g. 10 to 90, alternatively 10 to 40,°C. higher than the melting point temperature of the (B) polymer. Thisensures melting rather than mere softening of the (B) polymer.Alternatively, lower temperatures may be utilized in combination withshear or mixing to ensure softening and/or melting of the (B) polymer.

The composition for preparing the polymer composite article may beformed under mixing or shear, e.g. with suitable mixing equipment. Forexample, the composition may be formed in a vessel equipped with anagitator and/or mixing blades. The vessel may be, for example, aninternal mixer, such as a Banbury, Sigma (Z) Blade, or Cavity Transferstyle mixer. Alternatively or in addition, the composition may be formedin or processed by an extruder, which may be any extruder, e.g. a singlescrew extruder with rotational and/or reciprocating (co-kneader) screws,as well as multi-screw devices comprising two or more screws, which maybe aligned tangentially or partially/fully intermeshing, revolving ineither a co- or counter-rotational direction. Alternatively, a conicalextruder may be used for forming the composition described herein.

As introduced above, the method also comprises preparing the polymercomposite article from the composition for preparing the polymercomposite article. The composition may be formed, e.g. in the vessel,and subsequently removed from the vessel to form the polymer compositearticle with separate equipment. Alternatively, the same equipment maybe utilized to prepare the composition and subsequently form the polymercomposite article. For example, the composition may be prepared and/ormixed in an extruder, and the extruder may be utilized to prepare thepolymer composite article with the composition. Alternatively, thepolymer composite article may be formed via molding, e.g. with aninjection or transfer molding process. The composition may be formed insitu in the mold, or formed independently and disposed in the mold onceformed. Alternatively still, the polymeric composite article may be afilm. In such embodiments, the composition can be formed or disposed ina vessel, optionally under mixing at an elevated temperature, anddisposed in or on equipment to prepare the film from the composition.Such equipment and techniques for preparing films from compositions,particularly those including thermoplastics like the (B) PVC polymer ofthe composition, are well known in the art.

In certain embodiments, preparing the polymer composite article from thecomposition further comprises forming the composition into a desiredshape. The desired shape depends on end use applications of the polymercomposite article. One of skill in the art understands how dies forextrusion and molds for molding may be selected and created based on thedesired shape of the polymer composite article.

In certain embodiments, the method is performed continuously orsemi-continuously in an extruder, such as a twin screw extruder (inwhich the screws are concurrently rotated, partially or fullyintermeshing, alternatively counter rotated aligned either tangentiallyor partially or fully intermeshing). In one embodiment, the (C)polydiorganosiloxane is disposed in the extruder concurrently with the(A) mineral filler and the (B) PVC polymer. Alternatively, the (C)polydiorganosiloxane may be disposed in the extruder after melting the(B) PVC polymer and before adding the (A) mineral filler. Alternatively,the (C) polydiorganosiloxane may be disposed in the extruder after the(A) mineral filler and the (B) PVC polymer and before the polymercomposite article exits the extruder. Alternatively, the (A) mineralfiller may be disposed in the extruder concurrently with the (C)polydiorganosiloxane, where they are heated to effect surface treatmentof the (A) mineral filler with the (C) polydiorganosiloxane, then the(B) PVC polymer is disposed in the extruder to give a mixture and thetemperature increased to a temperature suitable for compounding themixture and forming the polymer composite article. The extruder may haveone or more zones, such as 1 to 3, or 3 to 8, or 1 to 12, zones, wherestarting materials can be added. The zones may be heated at differenttemperatures.

The polymer composite article of the invention is not limited and may becustomized for myriad end use applications and industries. By way ofexample only, the polymer composite article may be utilized in or astubing; piping; hosing; an insulating (e.g. thermally and/orelectrically insulating) article; automotive components or applications,including interior components, e.g. floor mats; consumer products andapplications, industrial or commercial products and applications,aerospace products and applications, transportation products andapplications, aircraft products and applications, electronics productsand applications, residential or commercial building and constructionproducts and applications, e.g. decking, railing, siding, fencing,window framing, flooring, etc.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is tobe understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to bein the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may bepracticed otherwise than as specifically described.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is thought that the (C)polydiorganosiloxane may provide one or more benefits to the polymercomposites and/or processes for making them described herein. Theseinclude:

Decreased density of the foamed polymer composition; leading to lowercost;

Higher expansion of foamed polymer composition, resulting in thickerproducts at same blowing agent and processing aid loading level,efficient, cost effective formulation;

Better mixing through lower levels of dust and/or sticking of the fillerto blender and blades, easy cleaning of blender;

Improved melt strength leading to robust processing, maximize expansion,maximum gas containment;

Increased char content resulting in better flame retardant and smokesuppressant performance;

Improved tribological properties, better wear resistance

Lower shear thinning leading to wider processing window;

Improved cell structure in foamed articles;

Lower torque during compounding can lead to lower power consumption forprocessing and it can enable higher throughput to improve productionyield;

Increased compounding through put and or lower energy consumption;

Better filler dispersion and reduced glass fiber breakup (if glassfibers are used) during compounding and molding;

Ability to mold thinner walls because of improve melt flow;

Ability to include high filler loadings leading to cost saving;

Less reject rates during demolding;

Better surface quality and/or finish which can be a challenge at higherfiller level;

Improved elongation irrespective of higher filler loading

Improved impact strength irrespective of higher filler loading

Improved fusion characteristic,

Maintains or improves critical properties even at higher filler loading,resulting in better performance, processing while lowering compound cost

Improved melt rheology resulting in less shear susceptible compoundproviding robust processing

Improved hydrophobicity;

Ability to utilize a larger proportion of recycled polymers or differentgrades; and/or

Enabling additives that improve strength and other properties.

EXAMPLES Examples A1 to A14

Table 1 below shows the types and amounts of components utilized toprepare compositions of Examples A1 to A14 and Comparative Examples C1and C2. The exemplary polyvinyl chloride formulations were prepared byadding the materials in Table 1 sequentially. A master batch wasprepared in about 20 minutes by adding the PVC polymer at roomtemperature to a Gunther Papenmeier/Welex blender, ramping the power to15A, adding the heat stabilizer at 125° F., adding the lubricant packageat 150° F., adding the impact modifier at 170° F., adding TiO₂ at 190°F., and the CaCO₃ at 195° F. The siloxane was post-blended at roomtemperature using a small blender.

TABLE 1 Heat Lubricant Impact PVC¹ Stabilizer² package³ Modifier⁴ TiO₂CaCO₃ ⁵ SPA1⁶ SPA2⁷ SPA3⁸ SPA4⁹ Example (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr)(phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) C1 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 — — — — A1 1001.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 0.5 — — — A2 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 1.0 — — — A3100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 — 0.5 — — A4 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 — 1.0 — —A5 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 0.5 — A6 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 0.5 A7 1001.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 1.0 C2 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 — — — — A8 100 1.22.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 0.5 — — — A9 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 1.0 — — — A10 1001.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 — 0.5 — — A11 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 — 1.0 — —A12 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 0.5 — A13 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 0.5 A14100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 1.0 ¹FORMOLON ® 622 from Formosa having aninherent viscosity of 0.91 as measured in accordance with ASTM D-5225and a bulk density of 0.52 g/cm³ as measured by ASTM D-1895 ²ADVASTAB ®TM 181 from PMC Vinyl Additives ³Lubricant package contains Paraffin wax165 from Amerilube, LD 10 calcium stearate from Norac, and A-C ® 629from Honeywell ⁴PARALOID ™ KMX-100 from The Dow Chemical Company⁵OMYACARB ® UFT from Omya ⁶SPA1 is a hydroxy-terminated siloxane with aviscosity of 13,500 mPa · s at 25° C. available commercially from DowSilicones Corporation of Midland, Michigan, USA ⁷SPA2 is abis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 2,000 mPa· s at 25° C. available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation ofMidland, Michigan, USA ⁸SPA3 is a bis-vinyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 5,000 mPa · s at 25° C.available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland,Michigan, USA ⁹SPA4 is a bis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane witha viscosity of 10,000 mPa · s at 25° C. available commercially from DowSilicones Corporation of Midland, Michigan, USA

The compositions of Table 1 were milled at 185° C. for 3 minutes on anelectric Collin Roll mill with a 0.3 mm gap to give a milled sheet fromeach composition, then the milled sheet was compression molded to form a3.2 mm thick plaque at 190° C. Color performance of the plaques wasmeasured using Lab Scan (HunterLab), and notched Izod impact strength(measured in accordance with ASTM D256) was evaluated. These physicalproperties are set forth in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Notched Plaque Color Izod Impact YI D1925 (ASTM D256) Example L*a* b* [C/2] J/m C1 96.09 −1.33 4.46 7.09 131.0 A1 96.32 −1.24 4.15 6.56141.3 A2 95.46 −1.09 3.20 4.94 129.8 A3 96.33 −1.25 4.21 6.66 148.3 A495.74 −0.98 3.16 4.94 155.9 A5 96.46 −1.25 4.13 6.50 146.4 A6 96.20−1.27 4.19 6.62 152.5 A7 95.40 −1.08 3.20 4.94 146.9 C2 96.28 −1.35 4.467.07 111.2 A8 96.20 −1.40 4.56 7.22 121.4 A9 95.69 −1.09 3.31 5.14 150.9A10 96.22 −1.24 4.11 6.50 141.0 A11 95.53 −1.20 3.56 5.52 134.6 A1296.24 −1.20 3.85 6.04 147.4 A13 96.21 −1.30 4.28 6.76 139.0 A14 95.57−1.39 4.16 6.49 150.1

As shown in Table 2 above, examples containing the bis-vinyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane indicated enhanced color stability duringprocessing and a potentially wider processing window. The examplescontaining the bis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane exhibitedhigher impact strength.

Additional physical properties of the composites made in Examples A1 toA14 and Comparative Examples C1 and C2 were measured and set forth inTables 3 and 4 below. The physical properties set forth in Table 3 weremeasured in accordance with ASTM D638 using a type 5 tensile bar and arate of 0.5 inches/minute. The physical properties set forth in Table 4,which relate to Brabender Rheology Compaction and Fusion Time, Torquewere measured using a Brabender mixer, commercially available fromBrabender GmbH & Co. KG of Duisburg, Germany, with operating conditionsmaintained at 60 RPM, 185° C., and 65 gram resin.

TABLE 3 Yield Break Break stress stress elongation Modulus Example (MPa)(MPa) (%) (MPa) C1 47 51 124 1345 A1 45 51 118 1303 A2 44 45 88 1275 A346 49 120 1293 A4 44 48 111 1285 A5 46 50 124 1299 A6 44 50 126 1286 A743 47 112 1283 C2 46 48 122 1324 A8 46 49 122 1345 A9 44 48 111 1294 A1043 47 112 1307 A11 43 47 113 1304 A12 44 48 117 1281 A13 44 50 119 1318A14 42 44 104 1265

TABLE 4 Fusion Compaction Fusion Equilibrium Time Torque Torque TorqueExample (s) (m · g) (m · g) (m · g) C1 32 3254 3608 2068 A1 82 1959 29432106 A2 142 1546 2731 2070 A3 126 1486 2944 2090 A4 174 1118 2706 2094A6 114 1728 2983 2064 A7 154 1243 2786 2139 C2 42 2876 3460 2101 A8 1101968 3898 2123 A9 156 1407 2656 2089 A10 72 1889 2807 2141 A11 196 9372581 2119 A13 118 1830 2898 2139 A14 162 1325 2564 2074

Example A15 and A16 and Comparative Example C3

Table 5 below shows the types and amounts of components utilized toprepare compositions of Examples A15 and A16 and Comparative Example C3.Example A15 and A16 and Comparative Example C3 have the same compositionas Examples A9 and A14 and Comparative Example C2 respectively above.The exemplary polyvinyl chloride formulations were prepared by addingthe materials in Table 5 sequentially. A master batch was prepared inabout 20 minutes by adding the PVC polymer at room temperature to aGunther Papenmeier/Welex blender, ramping the power to 15A, adding theheat stabilizer at 125° F., adding the lubricant package at 150° F.,adding the impact modifier at 170° F., adding TiO₂ at 190° F., and theCaCO₃ at 195° F. The master batch powder was then allowed to cool toroom temperature. Then the siloxane was added to the master batchpowder. After the siloxane was absorbed by the master batch powder, themixture was placed into a lab Waring blender and blended for a fewminutes to achieve uniform siloxane dispersion.

TABLE 5 Heat Lubricant Impact PVC¹ Stabilizer² package³ Modifier⁴ TiO₂CaCO₃ ⁵ SPA1⁶ SPA4⁷ Example (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr)(phr) C3 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 — — A15 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 1.0 —A16 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 8.0 — 1.0 ¹FORMOLON ® 622 from Formosa havingan inherent viscosity of 0.91 as measured in accordance with ASTM D-5225and a bulk density of 0.52 g/cm³ as measured by ASTM D-1895 ²ADVASTAB ®TM 181 from PMC Vinyl Additives ³Lubricant package contains Paraffin wax165 from Amerilube, LD 10 calcium stearate from Norac, and A-C ® 629from Honeywell ⁴PARALOID ™ KMX-100 from The Dow Chemical Company⁵OMYACARB ® UFT from Omya ⁶SPA1 is a hydroxy-terminated siloxane with aviscosity of 13,500 mPa · s at 25° C. available commercially from DowSilicones Corporation of Midland, Michigan, USA ⁷SPA4 is abis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 10,000 mPa· s at 25° C. available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation ofMidland, Michigan, USA

The formulated PVC listed in Table was milled at 185° C. for 3 minuteson an electric Collin Roll mill with a 0.3 mm gap, then the milled sheetwas compression molded to 3.2 mm thick plaque at 190° C. The notchedIzod impact strength (measured in accordance with ASTM D256) wasevaluated. These physical properties are set forth in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Notched Izod Impact (ASTM D256) Example J/m % Ductility C3 586 30% A15 1263 100% A16 1266 100%

Examples A17 to A22

Table 7 below shows the types and amounts of components utilized toprepare compositions of Examples A17 to A22 and Comparative Example C4.The exemplary PVC formulations were prepared by adding the materials inTable 7 sequentially. A master batch was prepared in about 20 minutes byadding the PVC polymer at room temperature to a Gunther Papenmeier/Welexblender, ramping the power to 15A, adding the heat stabilizer at 125°F., adding the lubricant package at 150° F., adding the impact modifierat 170° F., adding TiO₂ at 190° F., and the CaCO₃ at 195° F. Thesiloxane was post-added at room temperature prior to fusing in aBrabender.

TABLE 7 Heat Lubricant Impact PVC¹ Stabilizer² package³ Modifier⁴ TiO₂CaCO₃ ⁵ SPA1⁶ SPA2⁷ SPA4⁸ Example (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr)(phr) (phr) (phr) C4 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 12.0 — — — A17 100 1.2 2.455.0 9.0 12.0 0.5 — — A18 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 12.0 1.0 — — A19 100 1.22.45 5.0 9.0 12.0 — 0.5 — A20 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 12.0 — 1.0 — A21 1001.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 12.0 — — 0.5 A22 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 12.0 — — 1.0¹OxyVinyls 225P from Oxy Vinyls, LP having an inherent viscosity of0.880-0.920, and a bulk density of 0.515-0.575 g/cm³ according toOxyVinyls internal testing methods ²ADVASTAB ® TM 181 from PMC VinylAdditives ³Lubricant package contains Paraffin wax 165 from Amerilube,LD 10 calcium stearate from Norac, and A-C ® 629 from Honeywell⁴PARALOID ™ KMX-100 from The Dow Chemical Company ⁵OMYACARB ® UFT fromOmya ⁶SPA1 is a hydroxy-terminated siloxane with a viscosity of 13,500cst at 25° C. available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation ofMidland, Michigan, USA ⁷SPA2 is a bis-vinyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 2,000 mPa · s at 25° C.available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland,Michigan, USA ⁸SPA4 is a bis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane witha viscosity of 10,000 mPa · s at 25° C. available commercially from DowSilicones Corporation of Midland, Michigan, USA

The compositions of Table 7 were mixed in a Brabender at 185° C. for 7minutes at 60 RPM, then the molten polymer was compression molded into a3.2 mm thick plaque at room temperature (20° C.). The fusion rheology isshown in Table 8, which shows a significant decrease in compaction andfusion torque in the samples containing siloxane.

TABLE 8 Compaction Compaction Fusion Fusion Equilibrium Time Torque TimeTorque Torque Example (s) (mg) (s) (m · g) (m · g) C4 18 2490 44 34652093 A17 28 1614 118 2776 2102 A18 42 1185 170 2502 2072 A19 38 1562 1242743 2109 A20 42 987 184 2423 2037 A21 36 1616 126 2776 2098 A22 38 1252160 2516 2071

As shown in Table 9 below, notched Izod impact strength (ASTM D256) andtensile properties per ASTM D638 using a crosshead rate of 0.2inches/minute were measured. Examples containing siloxane showcomparable yield stress, similar or higher break stress, and a similaror higher modulus.

TABLE 9 Notched Izod Impact Plastic Tensile Properties (ASTM D256) (ASTMD638) Break % Yield Break Break Energy Ductile stress stress elongationModulus Example J/m % (MPa) (MPa) (%) (MPa) C4 200.0 60 41.4 10.9 21.91686 A17 207.4 60 41.0 11.1 15.2 1766 A18 127.3 100 37.9 9.4 10.3 1765A19 163.6 40 38.9 11.6 26.2 1670 A20 111.0 0 39.7 11.6 19.7 1786 A2194.6 0 42.7 21.2 31.7 1864 A22 225.6 80 37.9 17.2 23.0 1718

A second set of examples was formulated similar to those in Examples A17to A22, with up to all of the original calcium carbonate fillersubstituted with talc, as shown below in Table 10. The same processesand testing protocols were used as previously described for Examples A17to A22. Formulations containing talc showed no significant difference inrheology compared to the formulations containing the correspondinglevels of calcium carbonate. The effects of talc and siloxane on themechanical properties of the PVC formulation were intertwined, with somecombinations having significantly higher impact strength and ductileperformance. Higher moduli were also achieved overall with only 4 phrtalc versus 12 phr calcium carbonate.

TABLE 10 Heat Lubricant Impact PVC¹ Stabilizer² package³ Modifier⁴ TiO₂CaCO₃ ⁵ Talc SPA 1⁶ SPA2⁷ SPA4⁸ Example (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr)(phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) C5 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 4.0 0.0 — — — C6100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 2.0 2.0 — — — C7 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 0.0 4.0 — — —A23 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 3.0 1.0 0.5 — — A24 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 2.02.0 0.5 — — A25 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 1.0 3.0 0.5 — — A26 100 1.2 2.455.0 9.0 0.0 4.0 0.5 — — A27 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 2.0 2.0 — 0.5 — A28 1001.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 0.0 4.0 — 0.5 — A29 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 2.0 2.0 — —0.5 A30 100 1.2 2.45 5.0 9.0 0.0 4.0 — — 0.5 ¹OxyVinyls 225P from OxyVinyls, LP having an inherent viscosity of 0.880-0.920, and a bulkdensity of 0.515-0.575 g/cm3 according to OxyVinyls internal testingmethods ²ADVASTAB ® TM 181 from PMC Vinyl Additives ³Lubricant packagecontains Paraffin wax 165 from Amerilube, LD 10 calcium stearate fromNorac, and A-C ® 629 from Honeywell ⁴PARALOID ™ KMX-100 from The DowChemical Company ⁵OMYACARB ® UFT from Omya ⁶SPA1 is a hydroxy-terminatedsiloxane with a viscosity of 13,500 cst at 25° C. available commerciallyfrom Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland, Michigan, USA ⁷SPA2 is abis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 2,000 mPa· s at 25° C. available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation ofMidland, Michigan, USA ⁸SPA4 is a bis-vinyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 10,000 mPa · s at 25° C.available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland,Michigan, USA

TABLE 11 Compaction Compaction Fusion Fusion Equilibrium Time TorqueTime Torque Torque Example (s) (m · g) (s) (m · g) (m · g) C5 18 3254 323608 2068 C6 22 3246 40 3557 2069 C7 18 3194 38 3636 2049 A23 30 1477118 2956 2103 A24 28 1836 122 2871 2112 A25 34 1850 112 3036 2049 A26 281796 118 2961 2084 A27 36 1687 128 2872 2095 A28 34 1782 122 2932 2080A29 34 1788 114 2991 2108 A30 32 1789 120 2980 2149

TABLE 12 Notched Izod Impact Plastic Tensile Properties (ASTM D256)(ASTM D638) Break % Yield Break Break Energy Ductile stress stresselongation Modulus Example J/m % (MPa) (MPa) (%) (MPa) C6 105.7 40 48.922.6 31.4 1980 C7 84.7 0 47.7 15.3 14.4 2051 A23 179.2 0 45.3 18.3 25.31764 A24 161.2 20 46.1 11.2 29.4 1830 A25 61.1 0 46.8 12.8 36.5 1844 A2681.6 40 45.5 17.5 28.4 1895 A27 67.1 0 47.2 16.2 12.2 1964 A28 46.7 047.8 13.3 19.0 2008 A29 99.7 0 48.2 22.7 37.7 1844 A30 211.6 100 46.513.2 13.3 1957

Examples B1 to B8 (PVC Foam Decking)

Table 13 below shows the types and amounts of components utilized toprepare compositions of Examples B1 to B8 and Comparative Examples C8and C9. The exemplary PVC formulations were prepared by adding thematerials in Table 13 sequentially. A master batch was prepared in about20 minutes by adding the PVC polymer at room temperature to a GuntherPapenmeier/Welex blender, ramping the power to 15A, adding the heatstabilizer at 125° F., adding the lubricant package at 150° F., addingthe impact modifier at 170° F., adding TiO₂ at 190° F., and the CaCO₃ at195° F. The siloxane was post-added at room temperature prior to fusingin a Brabender.

TABLE 13 Heat Lubricant Foam Cell Process PVC¹ Stabilizer² package³Promoter⁴ Aid⁵ CaCO₃ ⁶ Talc SPA1⁷ SPA2⁸ SPA3⁹ SPA4¹⁰ Example (phr) (phr)(phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) (phr) C8 100 1.3 2.5 52.2 14 11 B1 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 14 11 1.0 B2 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 14 11 1.0B3 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 14 11 1.0 B4 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 14 11 1.0 C9 100 1.32.5 5 2.2 14 16.5 B5 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 14 16.5 1.0 B6 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.214 16.5 1.0 B7 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 14 16.5 1.0 B8 100 1.3 2.5 5 2.2 1416.5 1.0 ¹FORMOLON ® 614 from Formosa having an inherent viscosity of0.73 as measured in accordance with ASTM D-5225 and a bulk density of0.56 g/cm³ as measured by ASTM D-1895 ²ADVASTAB ® TM 181 from PMC VinylAdditives ³Lubricant package contains Paraffin wax 165 from Amerilube,LD 10 calcium stearate from Norac, and A-C ® 629 from Honeywell⁴Surecel ™ 467 from The Dow Chemical Company ⁵Paraloid ™ K-175 from TheDow Chemical Company ⁶OMYACARB ® UFT from Omya ⁷SPA1 is ahydroxy-terminated siloxane with a viscosity of 13,500 mPa · s at 25° C.available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland,Michigan, USA ⁸SPA2 is a bis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane witha viscosity of 2,000 mPa · s at 25° C. available commercially from DowSilicones Corporation of Midland, Michigan, USA ⁹SPA3 is abis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 5,000 mPa· s at 25° C. available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation ofMidland, Michigan, USA ¹⁰SPA4 is a bis-vinyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 10,000 mPa · s at 25° C.available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland,Michigan, USA

The compositions of Table 13 were milled at 185° C. for 3 minutes on anelectric Collin Roll mill with a 0.3 mm gap to give a milled sheet fromeach composition, then the milled sheet was compression molded to form a3.2 mm thick plaque at 190° C. Color performance of the plaques wasmeasured using Lab Scan (HunterLab), and notched Izod impact strength(measured in accordance with ASTM D256) was evaluated. These physicalproperties are set forth in Table 14 below.

TABLE 14 Plaque Color Flexural Modulus YI D1925 (ASTM D790) Example L ab [C/2] MPa C8 70.46 −4.49 14.10 30.66 2865 B1 74.66 −4.36 14.74 30.652726 B2 75.45 −4.23 14.95 30.96 2611 B3 75.36 −4.42 15.59 32.31 2743 B475.42 −4.41 15.64 32.41 2650 C9 70.11 −4.22 14.15 31.26 2949 B5 74.89−4.01 14.83 31.15 2618 B6 74.89 −4.01 14.80 31.06 2688 B7 74.58 −4.0514.98 31.58 2625 B8 74.98 −4.06 15.17 31.87 2702

TABLE 15 Yield Break Break Elastic stress stress elongation ModulusExample (MPa) (MPa) (%) (MPa) C8 53 41 87 1774 B1 52 26 74 1707 B2 52 3879 1711 B3 51 15 13 1677 B4 54 16 48 1735 C9 53 25 30 1856 B5 52 27 451797 B6 51 20 27 1904 B7 52 28 43 1844 B8 52 24 47 1801

TABLE 16 Die Extruder Sample Melt PSI Z3 Rate Torque Density ExpansionID (° C.) & Z4 (g/30 s) (Gm) (g/cc) (%) Surface C8 173/162 55.47 47250.33 237 — C9 171/164 1510/1190 51.33 4275 0.35 208 — B1 171/164 58.414775 0.37 210 improved B4 170/163 58.30 5025 0.36 205 improved B5170/163 1575/1190 53.76 4950 0.36 203 improved B8 170/164 1560/118052.41 4775 0.36 206 improved

As shown in Table 16, at the same filler loading levels, examplescontaining siloxane showed lower foam density and improved surfaceappearance.

TABLE 17 Compaction Fusion Fusion Equilibrium Sample Torque (mg) Time(s) Torque (mg) Torque (mg) C8 3092 32 4085 2155 C9 2860 34 4130 2157 B11930 62 2984 2059 B4 1921 68 2948 2070 B5 1459 70 2863 2069 B8 1693 582888 2079

Examples D1 to D4 (PVC LVT Rigid Foam Layer)

Table 18 below shows the types and amounts of components utilized toprepare compositions of Examples D1 to D4 and Comparative Examples C10and C11. The exemplary PVC formulations were prepared by adding thematerials in Table 18 sequentially. The dry blends were prepared byadding the PVC at room temperature to a Gunther Papenmeier/Welexblender, ramping the power to 15A, adding the heat stabilizer at 125°F., adding the lubricant package including siloxane at 150° F., addingthe acrylic processing aids at 170° F., adding TiO₂ at 190° F., andCaCO₃ at 195° F. After the powder was blended it was cooled to roomtemperature.

TABLE 18 Component C8 C9 D1 D2 D3 D4 PVC¹ 100 100 100 100 100 100 Heat1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Stabilizer² SPA2³ 2 2 SPA4⁴ 2 2 Calcium 1 1 1 11 1 Stearate⁵ F1020⁶ 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 Paraffin 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.50.5 0.5 Wax⁷ AC629A⁸ 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Surecel ™ 12 12 12 12 12 12467⁹ Paraloid ™ 1 1 1 1 1 1 K-175¹⁰ CaCO₃ ¹¹ 100 140 100 100 140 140Extend 73¹² 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 ¹FORMOLON ® 614 from Formosahaving an inherent viscosity of 0.73 as measured in accordance with ASTMD-5225 and a bulk density of 0.56 g/cm³ as measured by ASTM D-1895²ADVASTAB ® TM 181 from PMC Vinyl Additives ³SPA2 is abis-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 2,000 mPa· s at 25° C. available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation ofMidland, Michigan, USA ⁴SPA4 is a bis-vinyl-terminatedpolydimethylsiloxane with a viscosity of 10,000 mPa · s at 25° C.available commercially from Dow Silicones Corporation of Midland,Michigan, USA ⁵LD 10 calcium stearate from Norac, and A-C ® 629 fromHoneywell ⁶F1020 internal lubricant from PMC Vinyl Additives ⁷ParaffinWax 165F from Amerilube ⁸A-C ® 629A from Honeywell ⁹Surecel ™ 467 fromThe Dow Chemical Company ¹⁰PARALOID ™ K-175 from The Dow ChemicalCompany ¹¹OMYACARB ® UFT from Omya ¹²FICEL ® Extend 73 from HughesPolymer Additives Corp.

The formulated PVC samples were milled at 170° C. for 5 minutes on anelectric Collin Roll mill with a 0.3 mm gap, then the milled sheet wascompression molded to 3.2 mm thick plaque at 175° C. Sample were cut forIzod impact (un-notched) strength (measured per ASTM D256), tensilestrength (ASTM D 638) and Heat Distortion Temperature (HDT) (ASTM D648).For density, expansion and processing condition studies foam rods wereextruded using a lab twin screw extruder RS 5000 from Polylab, with a4.78 mm rod die. The extrusion temperature setting was: 170° C/175°C/185° C/180° C. (die) with screw speed 60 RPM. Time to floor wasreported as a time melt/rod took to reach floor from die. Fusion studywas done on Brabender Intelli Torque 7150 at 190° C., 60 rpm, 7 min, 74grams for 100 PHR CaCO₃, 78 grams for 140 PHR CaCO₃. Material fromBrabender was pressed into a flat plaque which was cut into pieces tofeed capillary of rheometer to melt viscosity measurement at 190° C.

TABLE 19 C10 D1 D2 C11 D3 D4 Yield Elongation (%) 2.534 2.518 2.6922.059 2.352 2.338 Break Elongation (%) 20.826 22.38 27.48 4.76 19.49416.42 Yield Stress (PSI) 4922 4168 4452 4518 4148 4040 Break Stress(PSI) 2126 3520 3844 2248 3504 3270 Modulus (PSI) 218600 184480 189620225400 202520 193740 Break Energy (Ft- 12.20 10.44 12.20 6.37 8.09 6.83lbf/in.) HDT (° C.) 63.9 62.8 62.4 62.5 62.2 61.5 Compaction Time (sec)26 20 36 36 34 32 Torgue (M-g) 1398 2255 1201 1293 1259 1350 Temp (° C.)156 160 160 161 166 166 Fusion 1 Time (sec) 56 64 72 72 64 60 Torgue(M-g) 4499 3290 3012 4636 3506 3580 Temp (° C.) 179 186 178 187 183 183Fusion 2 Time (sec) 78 98 130 82 108 102 Torgue (M-g) 4440 3565 34224518 3612 3795 Temp (° C.) 191 195 194 192 197 197 Equilibrium (7 min)Torgue (M-g) 2610 2598 2598 2791 2598 2629 Temp (° C.) 213 211 207 215212 212

DEFINITIONS USAGE OF TERMS

Unless otherwise indicated by the context of the specification, allamounts, ratios and percentages are by weight, and all test methods arecurrent as of the filing date of this disclosure. The articles “a”, “an”and “the” each refer to one or more. It is to be understood that theappended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds,compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, whichmay vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope ofthe appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied uponherein for describing particular features or aspects of variousembodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may beobtained from each member of the respective Markush group independentfrom all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may berelied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequatesupport for specific embodiments within the scope of the appendedclaims.

Further, any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing variousembodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fallwithin the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describeand contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional valuestherein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One ofskill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges andsubranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of thepresent invention, and such ranges and subranges may be furtherdelineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. Asjust one example, a range “of from 0.1 to 0.9” may be further delineatedinto a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, whichindividually and collectively are within the scope of the appendedclaims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively andprovide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope ofthe appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language whichdefines or modifies a range, such as “at least,” “greater than,” “lessthan,” “no more than,” and the like, it is to be understood that suchlanguage includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As anotherexample, a range of “at least 10” inherently includes a subrange of fromat least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange offrom 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied uponindividually and/or collectively and provides adequate support forspecific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally,an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon andprovides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope ofthe appended claims. For example, a range “of from 1 to 9” includesvarious individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbersincluding a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may berelied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments withinthe scope of the appended claims.

The term “composition,” as used herein, includes material(s) whichcomprise the composition, as well as reaction products and decompositionproducts formed from the materials of the composition.

The term “comprising,” and derivatives thereof, is not intended toexclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure,whether or not the same is disclosed herein. In order to avoid anydoubt, all compositions claimed herein through use of the term“comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound,whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. Incontrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from the scopeof any succeeding recitation any other component, step or procedure,excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term“consisting of” excludes any component, step or procedure notspecifically delineated or listed.

The term “polymer,” as used herein, refers to a polymeric compoundprepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or a differenttype. The generic term polymer thus embraces the term homopolymer(employed to refer to polymers prepared from only one type of monomer,with the understanding that trace amounts of impurities can beincorporated into the polymer structure), and the term interpolymer asdefined hereinafter. Trace amounts of impurities may be incorporatedinto and/or within the polymer.

“Blend”, “polymer blend” and like terms mean a composition of two ormore polymers. Such a blend may or may not be miscible. Such a blend mayor may not be phase separated. Such a blend may or may not contain oneor more domain configurations, as determined from transmission electronspectroscopy, light scattering, x-ray scattering, and any other methodknown in the art. Blends are not laminates, but one or more layers of alaminate may contain a blend.

What is claimed is:
 1. A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composition forpreparing a polymer composite article, said composition comprising: (A)a mineral filler in an amount of from 7.5 to 75 wt. %; (B) a polyvinylchloride polymer in an amount of from 20 to 92 wt. %, wherein said (B)PVC polymer comprises a polyvinyl; and (C) a polydiorganosiloxane in anamount of from greater than 0 to 5 wt. %, wherein the (C)polydiorganosiloxane is a compound of unit formula:(R₂R′SiO_(1/2))_(a)(R₃SiO_(1/2))_(b)(R₂SiO_(2/2))_(c)(RR′SiO_(2/2))_(d),where each R is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon groupof 1 to 18 carbon atoms that is free of aliphatic unsaturation, each R′is an independently selected alkenyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms,subscript a is 0 to 2, subscript b is 0 to 2, a quantity (a+b)=2,subscript c≥0, subscript d≥0, a quantity (a+d)≥1, and a quantity(a+b+c+d) is sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane a viscosity of2,000 mPa·s to 60,000 mPa·s at 25° C. measured at 0.1 to 50 RPM on aBrookfield DV-III cone & plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle; eachbased on the total weight of components (A), (B) and (C) in saidcomposition.
 2. The composition of claim 1, where in the (C)polydiorganosiloxane is a bis-alkenyl-terminated polydiorganosiloxane offormula (I):

where each R is an independently selected monovalent hydrocarbon groupof 1 to 18 carbon atoms that is free of aliphatic unsaturation, each R′is an independently selected alkenyl group of 2 to 18 carbon atoms, andsubscript x has a value sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane aviscosity of 2,000 mPa·s to 60,000 mPa·s measured at 25° C. at 0.1 to 50RPM on a Brookfield DV-III cone & plate viscometer with #CP-52 spindle.3. The composition of claim 2, where each R is an alkyl group of 1 to 12carbon atoms, each R′ is an alkenyl group of 1 to 12 carbon atoms,subscript x has a value sufficient to give the polydiorganosiloxane aviscosity of 2,000 mPa·s to 10,000 mPa·s , and the (C)polydiorganosiloxane is present in an amount of 1 wt. % to 4 wt. %. 4.The composition of claim 3, where in the (C) polydiorganosiloxane, eachR is an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and each R′ is an alkenylgroup of 1 to 6 carbon atoms.
 5. The composition of claim 2, wherein inthe (C) polydiorganosiloxane, each R is selected from the groupconsisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl, and each R′ is selectedfrom the group consisting of vinyl, allyl, butenyl, and hexenyl.
 6. Thecomposition of any one preceding claim, wherein: (i) said (A) mineralfiller is present in an amount of from 10 to 65 wt. %; (ii) said (B)polyvinyl chloride polymer is present in an amount of from 35 to 90 wt.%; and (iii) said (C) polydiorganosiloxane is present in an amount offrom 0.1 to 2.5 wt. %.
 7. The composition of any one of claims 1-5,wherein: (i) said (A) mineral filler is present in an amount of from49.5 to 60 wt. %; (ii) said (B) polyvinyl chloride polymer is present inan amount of from 40 to 49.5 wt. %; and (iii) said (C)polydiorganosiloxane is present in an amount of from 0.5 to 1 wt. %. 8.The composition of any one preceding claim, wherein the mineral filleris selected from calcium carbonate, talc, and combinations thereof. 9.The composition of any one preceding claim, further comprising one ormore additives selected from a colorant, a blowing agent, a UV and/orlight stabilizer, a process aid, a preservative, a biocide, a flameretardant and/or smoke suppressant, an impact modifier; a heatstabilizer, and a lubricant.
 10. A method of preparing the compositionof any one of claims 1-9, said method comprising: combining (A) saidmineral filler, (B) said polyvinyl chloride polymer, and (C) saidpolydiorganosiloxane, thereby preparing the composition.
 11. A method ofpreparing a polymer composite article, said method comprising: preparingthe polymer composite article from the composition of any one of claims1-9.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method comprises: combiningthe (A) mineral filler, the (B) polyvinyl chloride polymer, and the (C)polydiorganosiloxane at an elevated temperature under mixing to give aflowable mixture; and forming the polymer composite article from theflowable mixture.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: (i) the (C)polydiorganosiloxane is a liquid when combining the flowable mixturewith the (C) polydiorganosiloxane.
 14. The method of claim any one ofclaims 10-13, wherein: (i) preparing the polymer composite article fromthe composition further comprises forming the composition into a desiredshape; (ii) preparing the polymer composite article from the compositioncomprises extruding the composition; (iii) preparing the polymercomposite article from the composition comprises molding thecomposition; or (iv) any combinations of (i) to (iii).
 15. The method ofany one of claims 10-14 carried out in an extruder, wherein: (i) anextrusion processing temperature of the composition in the extruder isreduced as compared to an extrusion processing temperature of a mixtureof the (A) mineral filler and the (B) polyvinyl chloride polymer withoutthe (C) polydiorganosiloxane; and/or (ii) a torque of the extruder isreduced when mixing the composition as compared to a torque of theextruder when extruding a mixture of the (A) mineral filler and the (B)PVC polymer without the (C) polydiorganosiloxane.
 16. A polymercomposite article prepared by the method of any one of claims 10-15.